Watch God Loves Uganda as an Act of Public Witness

When gay rights activist David Kato was brutally killed in his home in 2011, the world could no longer ignore the growing human rights crisis in Uganda. Kato and other activists experienced physical violence, political oppression, and social ostracism because of their opposition to the now-notorious anti-homosexuality bill that still awaits a final vote in the Ugandan Parliament.

Unitarian Universalists (UUs) are among the few religious groups in Uganda that openly welcome and affirm lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. Working with the Rev. Mark Kiyimba, minister of the UU Church in Kampala, the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) helped organize a Standing on the Side of Love conference in 2010 to help LGBT people and their allies organize opposition to the bill.

This work is far from complete. The UUA has established a fund to help protect and support our Uganda LGBT siblings in faith. Please consider giving generously to support this vital work. Donate today.

Continue this Work by Watching God Loves Uganda

This is not the only way UUs can help. Understanding the religious foundation of the movement that created this legislation and committing to reclaiming faith as a pathway to love, acceptance, and dignity for all is also critical. The documentary film "God Loves Uganda" examines exactly this foundation.

“God Loves Uganda” is a powerful exploration of an effort to change African customs and laws to conform to a restrictive vision of human sexuality exported from the United States. The film follows American religious groups fighting supposed sexual immorality and trying to convince Ugandans to adopt a harsh vision of biblical law. View the trailer for "God Loves Uganda."

The filmmakers have created several opportunities for people of faith to use this film to help secure justice for LGBT Ugandans and show the world a vision of religion as welcoming to all people—regardless of who we choose to love.

Get Your Congregation or Spiritual Community Involved

Adopt a Screening

Pick a theater showing, secure a speaker for a 15-30 minute post-screening discussion, promote the event to your local network, and secure a minimum of 25 discounted tickets. This is an excellent opportunity to make UU justice work visible in your community while educating new audiences on this important human rights issue. View a list of screening cities.

Take a Group

The filmmakers invite congregations, community groups, student groups, and others bring a group to the theater. Theater attendance is crucial for a documentary’s opening weekend. The more people see it, the more people will talk about it and the greater impact we can have. Discount ticket prices are available for groups. View a list of screening cities.

Host a Screening

Consider holding a film screening in your congregation or community by purchasing the film’s one-time public screening license. With the license, you will also receive a screening kit, discussion guide, and press kit from the filmmakers. This is a wonderful opportunity to share a UU message of love with visitors who may not necessarily join the congregation for Sunday worship.

Learn More

Find out how you can take part in international justice work and extend Unitarian Universalism’s saving message of love and acceptance by contacting the UU United Nations office at unitednations [at] uua [dot] org.